"I am writing this paragraph in an Italian restaurant, after having a signed statement from the Head of the JSC. The place we went to was the actual work-place of NASA employees. Something visitors do not see - and I have to say it is very cold. Not as in the air-conditioning - but in the term of it having been empty, and that when you passed the occasional worker, most of them had blank faces. I looked at a few of them, and some of them did smile, just not so from their eyes.'’ I suppose it’s because they’re not used to people being in their work place, but we were all exceptionally polite. However, the engineers and mechanics? They’re great! Especially - no, I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. They’re all so engaged in their woek, and you can see in their eyes when they talk about what they do that they honestly enjoy and believe in it. It’s pleasing to see someone so commited to their work. They’re so willing, anjd they look like everyday people you’d meet in the street. That’s the best thing about them - they’re genuine but they initially don’t look it. I must say however, that some of their voices are not so engaging, and as a result, I end up staring at them, seeing their face change in my eyes".

    Sorry guys, but it’s an early start tomorrow, and I want to get my sleep. I’ll leave the last question unanswered. I’ll get more information when we go to the assorted barbeque tomrrow eveing. Bye1 Love and miss you so much! Soon I’ll be home! Seejms as though I shouldn’t go yet, as I did before I came, as it is too soon! Seems too soon, that is! All the same, I’m relieved - but tired! Goodnight/ good morning!
 

   Yes, you could tell. Almost as though the water was valuing, savouring, its chance to reamin as calm as it would get for quite a while. The next day the water poured, rained, and hammered down. I woke up at four, to the sound of the roaring wind, and lashing rain give or take the occasional rumble of thunder. I grew uncomfortable, " . . and a chill ran down me, it was as though I would be turning a blind eye to the danger we were in, or at least the danger I felt myself to be in. The next morning, we were delayed in setting off, and we watched a clip of a film about a plane blowing up on the runway. On leaving Cocoa Beach, thw "weather is dismal. The wind was and is very very strong  . . and the tain is coming down like anything." In fact, it was so heavy and constant, that it had actually damaged the sides of the stencilled writing on the minibus. The weather was cold " .  and bitter, the chill runs through us all through and through. We had been sat, plus Chris and Matthew, in our suite, the six of us with our luggage around the room. With us somberly, it felt, drinking Sprite from a can, watching the film intently." I think once I had been cleared, and the queues began; when the searches and comical bare footed people passed though the security gate; when we were a few minutes short of the Departure Gate, and when Dan had to be escorted onto the plane, I began to calm down. I think I had hoped the weather would just be rain. though it spoiled the view, "I didn’t want to know, or comprehend, the fact that high and extreme winds could happen, That the mini tornado in Brevard County had happened, and that we were not on a plane with heavy turbulence. A plane which carried the danger of being caught up in the high gusts, selfish though it may seem, with me on the plane . . The night before we had discussed, and this morning, about the concept of death. Selina and Sama were saying that they’re happy their families aren’t with them as they wouldn’t get hurt, but sad that no-one is there to parentally console them. And that compensation of around two million dollars, was it?, would be given to our families if we died. I can tell you, it’s not comfortable thinking about it now. I’ll just focus on relaxing, by that tip that lady on the tv had said to do. No, it hasn’t worked." I was relieved that we were at least going on this day, that we were escaping Wilma by literally a few hours. Relieved, but apprehensive and tense.

    I’ll head on straight onto the answers of the questions. If you’ve read ‘Apologies,’ you’ll catch up. Firstly, the highlights of the trip have no definite answer. It varies. You have a headlight or two on each day, and as each day is different - though not necessary in different places - you cannot compare them to eachother. What I am trying to say is that each day is and was unique, I cannot possibly give you a complex answer. But ask yourself this one question, what have all the days got in common? America, issues discussed realted to space and the space agency itself . . In fact, thinking of it, I think the highlight would be before the physical trip even began. The discovery of me having won; the confusion to purchase everything necessary; and seeing America for the first time. But a highlight of the actual trip in America? Sorry, I cannot possibly answer that.

    Secondly, I personally felt fear whilst driving to the Orlando Airport on Monday morning. I know Wilma was quite far away from us, but just the thought of it heading our way, and it out there, really unnerved me. I quote from my notepad, on the night before us departing, " . . . when I went to the living room, I stood there, watching the TV . . I had stood and sat in front of the TV, watching the weather forecasts until after eleven. I could have fallen asleep, which is why I did eventually go to bed." But even then, I recalled on the scary weather out by the Italian Carrabera? on our last night "the sky was brilliantly alight with silent but constant, so constant, lightning. It wasn’t forked, it lit up the whole of the sky, and only a minute later, a small rumble of thunder could be heard. The lightning was erratic, but after a while, as you looked upon it without fear in your eyes, it seemed regular, and, even beautiful . .but the water was so still" THis image and scenery, the tense atmosphere, reminded me of the Lord Of The Rings, ‘the sigh before the deep plunge’ is it? You couldn’t have known a hurricane was coming our way - but you knew something was. 
 

  I can’t write too much, supposed to be meeting downstairs at six to have a meeting with Scott Kelly. Mr Anderson, all the questions you asked on your entry are in my note pad. Every single one, in some shape or form. What I’ll do is quote extracts from my notepad in answer to those questions. Gotta go now, thanks for your comments. Love and miss you.

Dear Step into Space students (and teachers) in Houston, 

I thought that your audience (which currently stands at over 250 unique visitors in the last 7 days!) might appreciate answers to a few questions. These are just off the top of my head. Please feel free to answer as many (or few) of these questions as you feel able to!

1. What has been the highlight of the trip so far? Why?

2. What was it like driving to Orlando airport pre-Wilma on Monday?

3. How have the NASA employees that you’ve met responded to you? Has anything they have said surprised you?

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